A new report by the Donkey Sanctuary and the global network GAIN reveals the major biosecurity risks posed by the international trade in donkey skin. The report, titled “The Global Trade in Donkey Skin: A Threat to Biosecurity,” highlights the dangers of this trade to both animal and human health. Donkeys are commonly used for their skin, which is turned into a gelatine known as ejiao.
This gelatine is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a variety of purposes, including treating anxiety, insomnia, anemia, and joint pain. The demand for ejiao has exploded in recent years, leading to a sharp increase in the number of donkeys being slaughtered for their skin. Most of the donkeys used for their skin are sourced from countries with little or no regulation around animal welfare or biosecurity.
This means that these animals often suffer from neglect and poor husbandry practices, which can lead to disease. Moreover, there is evidence that some of the donkey skins traded internationally are sourced from slaughterhouses that also process other animals, increasing the risk of cross-contamination and disease spread.
Crisis facing donkeys and the people who rely on them | Under The Skin
A new report has revealed the major global biosecurity risks of the donkey skin trade. Donkey skins are used to make ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine. The demand for ejiao has exploded in recent years, leading to a rapid increase in the number of donkeys being slaughtered for their skins.
Most of the donkeys used for their skin are sourced from Africa, where there is little regulation over the trade. This has led to concerns that diseased animals could be making their way into the global supply chain and potentially spreading disease to other countries. The new report, published by international animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming, highlights the risks posed by the trade and calls on governments to take action to regulate it.
Amongst other things, the report recommends that: – All exports of donkey skins should be accompanied by a health certificate stating that the animal was healthy at time of slaughter – There should be strict controls on who is allowed to slaughter donkeys and how they are killed
Ejiao
Ejiao is a Chinese herbal medicine made from the gelatin of donkeys. It has been used for over 2000 years to treat a variety of ailments such as anemia, insomnia, and anxiety. According to traditional Chinese medicine, ejiao balances the yin and yang in the body and nourishes the blood.
There has been some scientific research conducted on ejiao and its potential health benefits. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ejiao may help improve blood circulation and prevent blood clots. Another study found that ejiao can increase red blood cell production in rats with anemia.
Although there is some promising research on ejiao, more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy. If you’re considering taking ejiao for any reason, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider first.
Credit: www.veterinary-practice.com
What are the Global Biosecurity Risks Associated With the Donkey Skin Trade
The donkey skin trade is a global biosecurity risk because it can lead to the spread of animal diseases. The trade also poses a risk to human health, as it can lead to the spread of zoonotic diseases. Additionally, the trade in donkey skins can contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as wildlife crime.
Why is the Donkey Skin Trade a Major Biosecurity Risk
The donkey skin trade is a major biosecurity risk because it can lead to the spread of diseases between donkeys and other animals. Donkeys are often used for transportation and their skins are used to make products such as leather goods. If donkeys are not properly cared for, their skins can become infected with diseases that can be passed on to other animals or humans.
How Can Biosecurity Risks Associated With the Donkey Skin Trade Be Mitigated
The donkey skin trade refers to the international trade in donkey hides and products made from them. The main countries involved in this trade are China, Pakistan, and Somalia. There are a number of biosecurity risks associated with the donkey skin trade.
These include the risk of disease transmission between donkeys and other animals, as well as the risk of humans coming into contact with diseases carried by donkeys. There is also a risk that donkey products could be contaminated with chemicals or other substances that could be harmful to humans. There are a number of measures that can be taken to mitigate the biosecurity risks associated with the donkey skin trade.
These include ensuring that only healthy animals are traded, and that all animal products are properly processed and inspected before being exported. It is also important to educate traders and consumers about the risks associated with this trade, and to provide information on how to reduce these risks.
Conclusion
A new report has revealed the major global biosecurity risks associated with the trade in donkey skin. The report, published by the Donkey Sanctuary and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlights the potential for disease transmission between donkeys and other animals, as well as humans. The report notes that there is a growing demand for donkey skin in China, where it is used to make traditional medicines.
This demand has resulted in a significant increase in the number of donkey skins being traded internationally. The majority of these skins come from Africa, where many donkey populations are already under threat from over-exploitation. The report warns that the trade in donkey skin could lead to further decline of wild populations, as well as increasing the risk of disease spread.
It calls on governments to put in place stricter regulations on the trade, and for more research to be conducted into its potential impacts.